Shangyu's Hidden Gem: Luxury Awaits at Shaoxing's International Hotel!
Shangyu's Hidden Gem: Shaoxing's International Hotel - My Chaotic Confessions of Luxury (and a Few Hiccups!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is not your average hotel review. We're diving DEEP into Shaoxing's International Hotel (that’s what they call themselves, fancy, right?) – Shangyu’s "Hidden Gem," allegedly. And trust me, I've unearthed a few actual gems alongside the, uh, let's call them strategically placed "faux pas."
(Rambling Intro: Setting the Scene)
First off, Shaoxing. Never been? Me neither, before this adventure! It’s… well, it's China. Lots of… stuff. Buildings, people, smells (let's just say they're present). But! The hotel? The brochure promised "Luxury Awaits!" And, okay, I'm a sucker for promises. Especially after a 16-hour flight. My back was screaming, my hair was a disaster, and I was craving a bathtub big enough to drown my sorrows (metaphorically, of course!).
(The Good Stuff: Oh, the Bliss!)
Let's start with the sunshine. The sparkle. The things that made me (almost) forget I was carrying a suitcase the size of a small Fiat.
Oh, the Pool! (Pool with a View, indeed!) Seriously, this pool is chef's kiss. Sparkling water, a view that (allegedly) showed a bit of the city (mostly though, it was a sea of rooftops, which is still fine). The Poolside Bar? Yes, please! Sipping a questionable (but satisfying!) cocktail while pretending I wasn't a total travel-wreck? Priceless. The Swimming Pool [outdoor]… glorious. I did spend a solid hour feeling like a beached whale, but a happy beached whale.
The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Jacuzzi/Massage Extravaganza - (Spa, Spa, Spa, oh, my aching muscles!) I have to confess, I am very easily impressed by a good spa. And this, friends, was a good spa. I went straight for the Massage. The masseuse, bless her heart, looked about 12 years old ("Staff trained in safety protocol?" I wondered… but the massage was EPIC!). They offer Body scrub and Body wrap too, if you're feeling extra. The Sauna was perfectly steamy, the Steamroom… well, I almost fainted out of pure bliss. And the Foot bath? Heaven. My jet-lagged feet practically sang Handel.
Rooms: Yes, the Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and Free at that!) Cleanliness? Impeccable. I'm talking, like, hospital clean. The Anti-viral cleaning products had me feeling like I could lick the floor (though I didn't, I swear!). The Rooms sanitized between stays thing truly made me feel safe. Wi-Fi [free]? Thank the heavens! I needed to upload approximately 700 photos of the aforementioned beached whale moment. Air conditioning was a non-negotiable, and it worked like a dream, which is key because humidity is on a whole other level out here. The Blackout curtains were also key. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… (and I should also mention, Non-smoking rooms were a plus, too. I hate those hotel rooms that smell of stale cigarettes). The Bathtub? Enormous. I could practically swim laps. Success. It had all the basics: a comfy Bed, Bathroom fully stocked up with all the Toiletries, Bathrobes, and Slippers - a luxury after a long day of travel.
Food Glorious Food (mostly): Let’s be honest, I live to eat. Breakfast [Buffet] was a solid win. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. It was a glorious sprawl of noodles, pastries, and mystery meats. The Coffee shop was also a lifesaver. Those long travel days deserve a good caffeine fix. Room service [24-hour]? Essential for late-night snack attacks. The Restaurants were decent, and there were even Vegetarian restaurant options, which made my vegan friend happy. This place even had Desserts in restaurant – always a winner. (And, as a bonus, I noticed a Bottle of water was included!).
(The "Meh" Zone: Where Perfection Gets a Little… Murky)
Okay, let’s be real. This place isn’t perfect. Because, well… perfection is boring.
Accessibility and the "Sometimes" Factor: The hotel claims to be accessible, and they have Facilities for disabled guests. There's even an Elevator (phew!). But let's just say, I saw a few things that made me cautiously approach accessibility claims. The paths leading to the pool could be smoother. It’s worth checking out specifics and needs.
Internet: The "Almost There" Saga: Internet access – wireless was… patchy. Sometimes it worked like a champ, other times, I was staring at a loading icon that felt like it was mocking my very existence. And, the Internet [LAN]? Forget it. It was like trying to access the dark web (I didn’t, I swear!).
Dining: The Adventure Continues… While the food was generally good, the consistency was… interesting. Sometimes the A la carte in restaurant was amazing, other times it was … less amazing. I got some amazing Soup in restaurant, followed by a questionable Salad in restaurant. And the Alternatives meal arrangement was tricky to get on the same page for.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool and Spa The Fitness center was… a room. With some equipment. But honestly, after all that lounging, I was in no mood for a workout. The Gym/fitness was a no-go for me. The Gift/souvenir shop was handy for emergency postcards, though! And the Kids meal was probably handy for families.
(The Quirks: Things That Made Me Smile (or Scratch My Head))
The "Doorman" with the Mysterious Schedule: There's a Doorman, right? Supposedly, 24/7? I swear I saw him vanish into thin air at one point. I'm not sure if he actually exists in the ether.
The Shrine: Yes, a Shrine. In the hotel lobby. Random? Maybe. Intriguing? Absolutely. I'm still trying to figure out the significance.
The Staff's English (and My Mandarin): Let's just say, communication was an adventure. Google Translate became my new best friend. But, the staff were unbelievably friendly and eager to help (even if they didn't quite understand me when I desperately needed toilet paper).
(The Verdict: Should You Book It?)
Look, Shaoxing's International Hotel isn't perfect. But it's got a lot going for it. The pool and spa alone are worth the price of admission. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The staff, while occasionally challenged by the intricacies of the English language, were genuine and helpful. It's quirky. It's imperfect. But it's also kind of magical.
(The Slightly Aggressive Call to Action!)
Stop wasting your time scrolling! Book your stay at Shaoxing’s International Hotel NOW! (Before I go back and hog the pool again.) Experience the bliss! Soak up the sun! And maybe, just maybe, you can figure out the mystery of the disappearing doorman.
Here's the Deal: Special Offer! We're talking a Discounted Rate for your stay, Complimentary Breakfast (because who doesn't love free breakfast?), and a Free Cocktail at the Poolside Bar (you'll need it after your flight, trust me!). PLUS, an option to Upgrade your room to a suite! (that bathtub!) - so click that button and get this adventure started. You deserve this escape. And seriously, the pool. Just go. You won’t regret it. (And Just a Little Bit More…)
Safety and Peace of Mind: The hotel has CCTV in common areas and around the exterior. They have Front desk [24-hour], and Security [24-hour]. The option to opt out of Room sanitization opt-out available is a welcome feature.
For the Business Types: They have Business facilities, an Indoor venue for special events, and Meeting/banquet facilities. No need to worry about the essentail condiments or the safe either!
They Also Include These: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, and Hair dryer and Free bottled water!
(Final Thought)
Shaoxing's International Hotel is a little rough around the edges, but it's got a heart of gold (and an amazing spa). Book it
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Hidden Room Biotop Yomitán!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're going to Shangyu International Hotel in Shaoxing, China. This itinerary? Forget perfectly polished. This is me trying to survive a trip. Here we go…
Shangyu International Hotel: My Sanity - Hopefully - Intact (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Dim Sum)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Okay, already a problem. The flight was delayed. I'm hangry. And the airport is a labyrinth. Finding the transfer to Shaoxing? Pray for me.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Finally, on the high-speed train to Shaoxing! The seats? Surprisingly comfy. The view? A blur of rice paddies and, frankly, judging-looking power lines. Is this the "real" China? Or just, you know, power lines?
- 11:30 AM (ish): Arrive at Shaoxing North Station. Found a taxi. Negotiating the price? A minor victory. Feel like a seasoned traveler… until the taxi driver tries to take me the scenic route (read: longer route) because I'm a gullible tourist. Lesson learned: Google Maps, my friend.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in at Shangyu International Hotel. The lobby? Impressive. Gleaming. Everything looks expensive. My room? Pretty standard hotel room. The view? Okay, maybe NOT the best, looks like a parking lot but the hotel is fine.
- 1:00 PM: Important: Lunch. Lunch is CRUCIAL. Found a local dim sum place recommended by, what I'm assuming, is the only website written in English that understands Chinese. The food? AMAZING. The dumplings? Heavenly. My mouth is currently experiencing pure joy. I might shed a tear. Maybe. I mean, it's just dim sum, right? But… sniffle… These flavors…
- 3:00 PM: Nap. Jet lag is hitting hard. And the dim sum coma is real.
- 5:00 PM: Explore. Walk around the hotel area. Find a convenience store. Buy snacks. (Because apparently, I'm a ravenous, nap-loving, dim sum enthusiast.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The hotel restaurant. Ugh. A bit bland, but they had a decent beer selection.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Already missing the dim sum. And wondering if I can sneak down at 3 AM for more.
Day 2: Ancient History and Modern Confusion
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Hotel buffet. The "mystery meat" situation is a little concerning. But the congee is good. And the coffee? Drinkable.
- 9:00 AM: The Xinchang Great Buddha Temple. Okay, this is where things get… intense. It was on the itinerary, but I was not ready. It’s a massive Buddha carved into a cliffside. The scale is mind-boggling. And the sheer number of people praying… it was overwhelming, in the best possible way. The incense smoke mingled with the crisp mountain air, and I swear I felt a slight chill run down my spine while also feeling a strange sense of peace. It was powerful. I actually did a small (very awkward) bow. Don't judge me.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Found a tiny restaurant near the Temple. The language barrier? Epic. But the food? Spicy. Delicious. And I think I ate some type of… fungus? Still, no regrets. (Maybe. Ask me later).
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Attempt to decipher the Chinese news on the TV. Fail miserably. (The local news lady has very good hair, though. That's my takeaway from this.)
- 4:00 PM: The Hotel Pool. It's indoor, which is great with the weather. It’s supposed to be relaxing, a zen experience. But a group of kids is currently playing Marco Polo with the enthusiasm of a thousand suns. So, no serenity.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. This time, venturing out. Found a bustling local restaurant. Ordering involved a lot of pointing and smiling. Ate something that tasted like… well, I'm not sure. But it was good! And I didn't get sick, which is a major win.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. My legs ache. My brain is fried, and I am so excited for more dim sum tomorrow.
Day 3: A Bit of Culture and a Whole Lot of Shopping (and Maybe More Dim Sum)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (Congee again. Comfort.)
- 10:00 AM: Explore the historic town of… I forgot the name. But it's got canals, and old houses, and it feels very authentic. Okay, I'm being vague because I mostly wandered aimlessly and took pictures. But it was beautiful. And slightly overwhelming. The crowds! The smells! The… everything!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Found the street food! The absolute best I’ve had, with savory pancakes the size of my face and skewers of… well, probably not what I think they are. But I don’t care. It's delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Shopping. The market! Hordes of people. Bargaining. I'm a terrible bargainer. Ended up paying more than I should have. But hey, I got some souvenirs. And a weird hat.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Have another nap. (No shame!)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the hotel restaurant. (I'm exhausted and I don't care).
- 7:00 PM: I go to see a "Massage".
- 9:00 PM: Sleep, then start thinking about my next dim sum adventure.
Day 4: Departure and Post-Trip Breakdown
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. (Last congee! Sob)
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the room, and to life as I knew it.
- 10:00 AM: Travel to Shanghai. Take a train to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Fly home.
- The Aftermath:
- Day 5: Still dreaming of dim sum. And that spicy fungus. (Maybe).
- Week 2 - maybe??: Already planning my return trip. This time, I'll learn some Mandarin. And maybe a better method for negotiating. And definitely a secret stash of dim sum locations.
Overall Impressions:
Shaoxing? Amazing. The hotel? Fine. The food? Divine. My language skills? Pathetic. My sanity? Questionable. But I survived. And I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just let me find more dim sum first, okay?
**Jeddah Corniche Getaway: Unbelievable Sheraton Deal!**
Okay, Shangyu's International Hotel... Is it REALLY a Hidden Gem? And, like, is it even *good*?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. Honestly? I was skeptical. Shaoxing? Shangyu? Where even is that? But here's the deal: yes, it's a hidden gem. But don't expect some pristine, perfectly Instagrammable experience. It's... well, it's got character. And honestly, sometimes that character is a little wonky. Like, the elevator humming the theme song to, I swear, Scooby Doo. But then you get to your room, and the view... Forget it. Breathtaking. So, good? Depends. Expect a little imperfection, embrace the slightly odd, and you'll have a fantastic time. If perfection's your jam, maybe stick to the Four Seasons. But you'll be missing out.
The "Luxury" Part... Is that Hyperbole? What's ACTUALLY luxurious there?
Luxury? Again, temper your expectations. This isn't Dubai. But for Shaoxing? Absolutely. The rooms are HUGE. Honestly, I felt like I could play badminton in mine. The beds are incredibly comfortable. Like, I slept *hard*. Like, didn't-wake-up-when-the-Scooby-Doo-elevator-hummed-past hard. They have those fancy rainfall showerheads (always a win). The service? Generally excellent, though there was this one...incident... with the room service. More on that later. Oh, the pool! Indoor, heated, and even though the chlorine smell was a little strong, it was a bloody lifesaver after a long day of negotiating rice wine deals (don't ask). So, hyperbole? Yeah, a little. But a *pleasant* little hyperbole.
Okay, Room Service Incident? Dish! What went wrong?
Right, buckle up. So, jet lag is REAL, okay? I'd been doing deals all day, I was STARVING, and the thought of leaving my plush, badminton-court-sized room was just... no. I ordered a burger. Simple, right? Wrong. An hour and a half later, the doorbell rings. I open the door, expecting juicy beefy goodness. Instead, I get... a plate of cold fries and a burger patty. JUST the patty. No bun. No fixings. Just a lone, slightly sad, burger patty. I stared at it. They clearly forgot the bun. And I... I briefly considered just eating the patty, raw, from the plate. I phoned room service (it took a while, because the phone kept ringing and I couldn't figure out how to pick it up) and, bless her heart, the woman kept apologizing. They eventually brought the bun, but by then, the fries were practically ice. It was a hilarious disaster, honestly. The burger, when it finally arrived, was actually pretty good. It just took an hour and a half and a lot of internal monologue.
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it Convenient?
Convenient... for *what* exactly? It's in Shangyu. Which, honestly, I didn't know existed before I booked the hotel. I was mainly looking for a place to deal with some paperwork and rest. It's not slap-bang in the bustling center of Shaoxing, so if you want to explore the historical sites (which, by the way, you SHOULD), you'll need a taxi or a Didi. But, on the plus side, it's super close to the industrial park, which, if you're doing business there, is a godsend. And the views... honestly, the views from the hotel make up for a lot. Plus, it’s quiet. Almost *too* quiet sometimes. That’s a good thing. Peaceful, even. And that’s what mattered.
The Pool! You mentioned it... How good is it *really*?
Okay, the pool. Here's my (very strong) opinion. The pool is the hotel's secret weapon. It's indoors, which is perfect if the weather is iffy. The water is warm and the staff are always there to assist you if in need. I would be spending more time in the pool if could, my favorite part.
What's the Food Like? Restaurant Recommendations?
The hotel restaurants were... okay. Nothing mind-blowing. The buffet breakfast was decent, with a good selection of local and Western options. The chefs were there to assist you if needed. I was very thankful for their great services. On the other hand, and this is a big one, you absolutely MUST venture out. Shaoxing cuisine is delicious. Ask the concierge for recommendations (they were surprisingly helpful, despite my burger-related trauma). I went to this little noodle place a few blocks away that was absolutely incredible. Cheap as chips, and the noodles... the noodles were a revelation. Don't be afraid to explore!
Is it Worth the Money? The Big Question...
Ultimately, yes. Absolutely yes. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and relatively luxurious stay in Shangyu, it's fantastic value for money. It's not perfect, far from it, but its flaws only make it more charming. The staff were very helpful, and eager to assist you. The location, while not ideal for sightseeing, is quiet and convenient for the industrial park (if that's your thing). Plus, the sheer novelty of a "Hidden Gem" experience? Priceless. Just... pack some snacks. And maybe a spare bun. You never know.
Anything Else We Should Know? Hidden Tips?
Okay, some insider tips:
- Brush up on your basic Mandarin. While some staff speak English, it's not widespread.
- Embrace the unexpected. Things might not always go to plan (see room service incident, above).
- Take advantage of the spa. I didn't, and I regret it.
- The views are truly insane at sunrise. Set your alarm! (even if you accidentally eat a raw burger patty the night before).
Would You Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Burger-bun-related trauma aside, I would 100% go back. It's a unique experience. A slightly quirky, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately *charmingStay While You Wander
